Ribwort Plantain

The Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), is native to the Eastern Mediterranean and has been naturalized over time in the eastern United States. Considered a weed throughout the U.S., this plant is known to have medicinal uses as an astringent or diuretic. Traditionally, these plants were used to remedy wounds, fevers, toothaches, and bug bites. The Ribwort Plantain is not alone in its medicinal uses — some extracts within the Plantain species have exhibited antibacterial properties. The Ribwort Plantain has a bloom period from March to August and is equally likely to occur in wetlands and non-wetlands due to its ability to tolerate most soil types. The leaves are edible and the seeds can be ground up and added to flour when making bread.